The Road to Heaven Instead of Shambala

Not that I put myself in the same category with them, but it’s pretty well known that classical composers have regularly reclaimed familiar old tunes for their own work. Sometimes is was a variation of a whole song. Sometimes it was just a section. It is also believed that a number of older hymns (for some discussion of what a hymn really is, click on this link) were created from new lyrics given to common pub songs. For one more example, the renowned works of Gilbert and Sullivan have had their wording adjusted many times, too, even for use in the stage productions they are intended for.

To carry on this fine tradition, I have written new lyrics to be sung to the melody written by Three Dog Night for their song “Shambala.” Their lyrics are fun in their own right, but my new ones are more meaningful to me. I think my version actually has quite a few more words than theirs, since part of the plan was to sing it when gathered with friends. While in the room together, I thought we would do better have words to sing, rather than long sections of “ou-oo-oo-OO”.

Thus, I am building a group of songs that I will call NLTFOT (pronounced “nelt-fot” and standing for New Lyrics To Familiar Old Tunes). And now, the lyrics for today’s song! (at the bottom there is a music video with it being sung in by myself and a daughter; there is also a pdf, if you are interested in an easy way to print out the lyrics)

Resources for Thinking About True Christianity

Are you afraid of dying?

Find out how my 13 year old daughter was able to face her own death with peace and hope in Melody's Life Savings. Read this true story and be inspired by Melody's legacy. Excerpts from Melody's journals and personal correspondence are included.